Carboplatin is an anticancer chemotherapy drug used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer. This chemotherapy drug contains platinum and is used alone or in combination with other medications to slow down the cancer cell growth. It can also be used to treat other types of cancer.
How is Carboplatin given?
Carboplatin is usually given by infusion into a vein or via a fine tune that goes under the skin of your chest and into a vein close by. The amount of the drug you receive depends on many factors such as your height and weight, general health or other health problems and how your body responds to it. You should consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Precautions before taking this drug:
- Before starting treatment, you should inform your doctor about other medications you are taking.
- Inform your health care professional if you are pregnant.
- Do not conceive a child when taking this drug.
- You should not receive any kind of immunization without doctor’s approval.
- Avoid sun exposure
- Get plenty of rest.
- Wash your hands well to prevent infections.
Course of Chemotherapy
The chemotherapy takes several sessions of treatments over a few months and each cycle of carboplatin usually takes 21 days. This usually depends on the type and severity of cancer in addition to person’s health. Your doctor will tell you about the number of cycles you are likely to have for the treatment of lung cancer.
Side effects:
These side effects are common among patients taking Carboplatin:
- Low blood counts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Taste changes
- Hair loss
- Weakness
- Allergic reaction
- Pain along the vein
- Sores in the mouth and throat
We strongly recommend you to talk with your health care professional about specific medical treatment. The information contained in this post is meant for only educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice.